BUIE — “If we’re not going to help each other, who is going to help us.”

Eric Palmer said this Tuesday night to a room filled with local first responders. On this night, instead of helping the public in their times of need, this group was ready to help each other. They would do it by simply listening.

This was the first meeting of the Robeson County First Responders Safe Place, where those first responders can come to find support to help deal with the emotional strain of all they see as they help those in need on a daily basis.

“There’s just been such a stigma for a long time, that we’re supposed to be the tough people and not have any feelings to be able to help somebody else,” said Eric Palmer, who has 28 years of combined public service in the military, police and fire service. “But

See Full Page